Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is monitoring the outbreak of the highly deadly Nipah virus “very closely” after two cases were detected in the Indian state of West Bengal. The virus has flu-like symptoms and can cause brain swelling and secondary ailments, such as pneumonia. Camera Icon Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is monitoring the outbreak of Nipah virus ‘very closely’. “There already are protocols for that, but we’ll continue to watch the situation closely.”Nipah virus has never been detected in Australia. It also urged travellers to avoid fruit that could be contaminated with an animal’s bodily fluids or “contact with anybody who is unwell and their bodily fluids”.